On This Day in Everton History: May 9th

There’s not much to talk about Everton on May 9, in truth - the Blues have only played six times on this date as seasons have wound down, winning three of them.

Today, we’ll look back at two of those victories, including the champions’ homecoming and a last-minute thunderbolt:

1987 - Champions march on with comeback Luton victory

After clinching that ninth league title at Norwich on May 4, Howard Kendall’s champions returned home for their first Goodison Park game since then on May 9. High-flying Luton Town were the visitors in the penultimate game of an unforgettable season.

For long, the Hatters looked set to spoil the celebrations, though; Mark Stein’s 4th-minute goal raced them into an early lead, which they held until the start of the second half, when the title-winners asserted their authority.

Trevor Steven netted from the spot twice in three minutes, before Graeme Sharp diverted home a third goal in ten minutes from Gary Stevens’ cross. Only Arsenal had left Goodison with three points that season; Luton were not about to be the second team to do so.

2010 - Bilyaletdinov stunner ends season with a bang

A decade ago today, a man who only scored special goals pulled out another firecracker right on time in the final game of the season.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was a model of inconsistency during his time on Merseyside, but always had the potential to win a match out of nothing - as he did here against relegated Portsmouth.

With no run-up or touch to set himself up, the Russian simply curled a rocket first-time that arrowed into the back of the Gwladys Street net in the 93rd minute to secure a 1-0 win over Pompey.

It continued Everton’s fine finish to the season, helping them end up in eighth. Their 11th consecutive Premier League match undefeated, this remains their joint-best such run.